Bragging Rights Bracket

April 5, 2011 · 11:09 AM ET

by Micah Hart

In a back and forth contest that saw both schools lead at various times during the day, the Duke Blue Devils defeated the Texas Longhorns by a 52%-48% vote to win the inaugural Bragging Rights challenge.

The Dookies were probably the odds-on favorite from the get-go, with five legitimate near-All-Star caliber players at their disposal (say what you want about Corey Maggette, but the man can get buckets if nothing else). And as the dominant program in college basketball over the past two decades, it certainly makes some sense that they’d field the best current crop of NBA players.

Thanks to everyone who voted and argued, it was a lot of fun.

Enjoy your title, Duke – we’ll see if you have what it takes to repeat come next March.

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April 4, 2011 · 10:58 AM ET

by Micah Hart

In the final of All Ball’s inaugural Bragging Rights challenge, it’s no surprise to see the dominant college basketball program over the last two decades make it thus far. It is a little surprising to see their competition, traditionally known as a football school — but one that has churned out a sizable number of NBA players over the last decade. Who will win? That’s for you to decide. And if you need a refresher on the Bragging Rights rules, read up on them here. For a view of the entire bracket and how both teams got to the finals, check here. Onto the finale:

Team synopsis: As expected, the Durant-Aldridge combo has proven too much for any opponent thus far. Augustin is having a breakout season in Charlotte, and makes for a solid third option. Ford is somewhat redundant with Augustin on the floor, but his track record is a little better than rookie Damion James. Mo Evans is no star, but he is a capable defender and rebounder who can hit the corner three when needed.

April 2, 2011 · 11:23 AM ET

by Micah Hart

We are down to the final four teams in the Bragging Rights challenge, with all four No.1 seeds advancing to the semifinals. Who will win? Check out the matchups and cast your vote to decide who will advance to Monday’s championship game! Voting ends Sunday night at midnight ET.

April 1, 2011 · 11:49 AM ET

by Micah Hart

For the complete Bragging Rights rules and to vote for other matchups, click here. In our second Final Four matchup, it’s ACC-vs-ACC, where the top seed from the East meets the top seed from the South.

Team synopsis: Wake Forest may not seem like much, but they do have the best point guard in the NBA and the greatest power forward of all time, which makes them pretty dangerous no matter who else is on the court. Howard may not be the All-Star he was in Dallas, but he can still be pretty dangerous. Aminu and Johnson are youngsters with talent who don’t get a ton of minutes, but their per-48 stats suggest that could change down the road.

Team synopsis: A real title contender, with both Durant and Aldridge providing matchup problems for just about any potential opponent. Augustin is also having a breakout season in Charlotte. Ford is somewhat redundant with Augustin on the floor, but his track record is a little better than rookie Damion James. Not a lot of bulk, but trying to keep LA and the Durantula from racking up points is going to be hard for any opponent.

March 29, 2011 · 3:56 PM ET

by Micah Hart

All the contests are now underway for the Bragging Rights Bracket’s Elite Eight. Make sure to check out all the games and cast your vote to decide who will advance to the Final Four! Voting ends Wednesday night at midnight ET.

March 29, 2011 · 1:09 PM ET

by Micah Hart

For the complete Bragging Rights rules and to vote for other matchups, click here. Our final matchup in the Elite Eight pits a football school trying to make its mark on the hardcourt against the most tradition-rich program in college basketball.

Team synopsis: A real title contender, with both Durant and Aldridge providing matchup problems for just about any potential opponent. Augustin is also having a breakout season in Charlotte. Ford is somewhat redundant with Augustin on the floor, but his track record is a little better than rookie Damion James. Not a lot of bulk, but trying to keep LA and the Durantula from racking up points is going to be hard for any opponent.

March 29, 2011 · 10:18 AM ET

by Micah Hart

For the complete Bragging Rights rules and to vote for other matchups, click here. Our next matchup mirrors real life, as two teams that will meet on the hardcourt at the Final Four in Houston this weekend also meet for the chance to move the hypothetical Final Four in the Bragging Rights challenge.

Team synopsis: Things have changed a bit for UConn since their Sweet 16 win. Rudy Gay was lost to shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season, which by our rules makes him ineligible. Tough break for the Huskies, who are now down two starters in Gay and Caron Butler. Fortunately, Charlie V is a capable player, who like Ben Gordon is probably even better in a playground environment like this. Plus, Villanueva gives the team a little more height to go with Okafor in the middle. This is still a dynamite scoring team for the boys from Storrs. How you would stop Allen and Hamilton, two of the best shooters of all-time coming off screens, is anyone’s guess.

Team synopsis: People have a tendency to think that Duke players don’t do so well in the pros, but man, look at this lineup. Big and burly, and good luck keeping Brand, Boozer, and Maggette off the offensive glass. The only thing that could pose a problem for the Dookies is a lack of a top-notch outside shooter or true distributor, but Hill and Deng are good enough. Each guy on this team can put the ball in the basket.

Team synopsis: Wake Forest may not seem like much, but they do have the best point guard in the NBA and the greatest power forward of all time, which makes them pretty dangerous no matter who else is on the court. Howard may not be the All-Star he was in Dallas, but he can still be pretty dangerous. Aminu and Johnson are youngsters with talent who don’t get a ton of minutes, but their per-48 stats suggest that could change down the road.